AVIZANDUM: Red Meat Preaching!

Avizandam. In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective. and take matters Abyssendum A few years ago, a senior pastor from another church whom I really didn't know. asked to meet with me to discuss some problems he had been experiencing.

He explained that in the church where he was serving, There was an influential group who wanted him to leave. Apparently, some felt his preaching was not up to par. When asked him for specifics, he explained that some in the congregation wanted more, quote, red meat preaching. End quote. I had never heard the expression, and asked him to elaborate.

Red meat preaching, he explained, is when the preacher panders to the congregation to get a certain emotional response. The preacher is giving the congregation what they want. If they want him to criticise a particular politician, the preacher does that. If the congregation wants a particular heresy denounced, he does that. It's like throwing red meat, he said, to animals who love the blood and the excitement.

I am glad to say that throughout my ministry I have not had such pressure to indulge in such preaching. if one can call it preaching. Usually this type of red meat preaching is simplistic. Slogan shouting concluding with the word. Amen.

The expected response is clapping and cheering by the congregation. Through this type of preaching the congregation is being reinforced in their prejudices and desires. This pastor who met with me was not indulging in. in such rhetoric. and he was now being forced out of the church.

In a small brethren assembly in Scotland there was a verse on the wall which faced the preacher in the pulpit. It comes from Jeremiah 23 verse 28. but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. Jeremiah is denouncing the false prophets and dreamers who give the people what they want. This is a good reminder to all preachers that faithfulness to Scripture is of the utmost importance.

The pulpit is not the place for emotional rhetoric designed to whip up a particular reaction from the congregation. Of course, red meat preaching is not a new phenomenon. It reminds me of the king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, reflecting whether or not he should go to battle against Syria. Ahab, the evil king of Israel. has many prophets who encourage Jehoshaphat to go to battle.

But King Jehoshaphat is not so sure. and ask if there is another prophet. King Ahab responds Miciah the son of Imlah. But I hate um for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil. You can read the story in Second Chronicles eighteen.

But Miciah is a faithful prophet. and, in spite of all of the false prophets around him, he advises Jehoshaphat not to go into battle. He sees all Israel scattered on the mountains as sheep that have no shepherd. Red meat preaching is deceptive. and is always to be resisted by the preacher, who is answerable to the Lord.

Paul explains to Timothy that all scripture is breathed out by God and profitable. for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. Then Paul charges Timothy to preach the word. be ready in season and out of season.

The Apostle Paul goes on to warn Timothy that there will be a time when. when people will not endure certain teaching. but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions. There's always an appetite for red meat preaching. But the preacher is not a performer or entertainer or a hireling, giving people what they want, looking for applause or praise.

Our calling is a higher calling. it is to be faithful to the Word of God and to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All of us who handle God's Word will give an account to God. Those who seek popularity or human applause should be reminded that the grass withers, The flower fades, but the word of our Lord stands forever. Avazando Uh You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe.

John is senior pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms. For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com slash the verdict.